I'm Ali, and I built Foqos to give people a practical way to reduce compulsive phone use without adding recurring costs.
Many products in this category center around branded hardware. Foqos takes a different route: use common NFC tags or free QR codes, while keeping the app itself free.
I believe focus tools should stay accessible, transparent, and easy to adapt to your own routine.
Focus tools take different approaches, and the best choice depends on the routine you want to build. I created Foqos for people who prefer a free, open-source app with flexible NFC and QR code options.
Brick vs Foqos: Which setup fits your routine?
Choose Brick if...
- You like the simplicity of one purpose-built device.
- You prefer a consistent NFC interaction.
- You want a focused hardware-and-app experience.
Choose Foqos if...
- You want a free, open-source app.
- You want NFC and QR workflows for multiple locations.
- You care about open source, privacy, and flexible blocking rules.
What Makes Foqos Different?
Foqos supports both NFC and QR code blocking. You do not need branded hardware to get started. Standard NFC tags are often low cost in bulk, and QR codes are free to print.
Here's what Foqos can do:
- Custom Profiles: Create blocking profiles for work, studying, or bedtime
- NFC & QR Blocking: Start or stop sessions with a quick tag tap or QR scan
- Mix & Match Strategies: Manual, NFC, QR, NFC + Manual, QR + Manual, NFC + Timer, QR + Timer
- Timer-Based Blocking: Block for a set duration, then unblock with NFC or QR
- Physical Unblock: Optionally require a specific tag or code to stop sessions
- Habit Tracking: See your focus streaks and session history at a glance
- Smart Breaks: Take a breather without stopping your session
- Website Blocking: Block distracting websites in addition to apps
- Live Activities: Real-time status on your Lock Screen and Dynamic Island
- Open Source: Review the code and contribute on GitHub
Why Physical Blocking Matters
A physical cue can add a useful pause before you open a distracting app or website.
Foqos lets you place an NFC tag or QR code where it fits your routine, then use that physical cue to start or stop a session. Purpose-built devices such as Brick offer another straightforward way to create the same kind of intentional pause.
Two approaches to physical blocking
Brick pairs its app with a purpose-built device and offers a polished, consistent experience across iPhone and Android. Foqos is an iPhone-focused, free and open-source option that works with common NFC tags or QR codes.
Both are designed to create a deliberate pause before you return to distracting apps. The better fit comes down to whether you prefer a dedicated product or a setup you can adapt yourself.
How to Get Started
Getting started takes 3 minutes:
- Get an NFC tag or print a QR code — Use a common NFC tag or print a QR code from your computer.
- Select the apps/websites you want to block — Create custom profiles and choose which apps and websites to block.
- Block distractions — Hide that tag or QR code, focus on your life. When you're done, scan the QR code or tap the NFC tag to unblock.
What Users Are Saying
App Store rating: 4.9/5 with 4400+ reviews.
"Love this app. The many options for how to enable/disable blocking modes is exactly what I was looking for. I have one NFC tag that I scan on the way into my home office on work days and having to physically get up and go scan the tag again to access social media has helped me so much with distractions."
— rahuggins, App Store Review
"I struggle with answering messages sometimes (ADHD and anxiety) and Foqos is a big help by allowing me to schedule in a time each week to answer messages with Foqos on to keep me on track."
— Anonymous User
Why Foqos is free
Foqos is free and open source, with no subscription or in-app purchases.
The goal is to keep an accessible option available for people who prefer to build a focus setup around common NFC tags or QR codes.
Ready to try Foqos in your routine?
If Foqos has helped you regain control of your digital life, consider supporting development with a coffee.
Other Alternatives to Explore
Looking at other app blockers? Check out our comparisons:
- Foqos and Blok - Compare two approaches to physical app blocking